But despite how common mental illnesses are and despite the increased attention mental illness is getting in popular culture, many Canadians are still suffering in silence, afraid of being stereotyped or rejected. If you’re trying to cope with a mental health-related issue, one of the best things you can do is tell someone you trust. It may be frightening, but talking about your issues will not only help you get moving on your journey to mental wellbeing; it can also inspire others to speak up, too. Here’s some good reading on the subject, with tips to help you start that conversation – whether you’re seeking help for yourself or helping others.

How to keep calm and carry on

Mood and anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in Canada, according to a 2013 Government of Canada report. Anxiety disorders can make every aspect of your life challenging – from meeting deadlines at work to spending time with friends and family. But living with anxiety disorders doesn’t have to be debilitating. If you have an anxiety disorder, help is out there. Here are some strategies to help you deal with a panic attack:

Is your teenager depressed?

Mental illness affects people of all ages. While many of the conversations around mental health centre on adults, 10 to 20% of Canadian youth have a mental illness. The good news is that identifying a mental illness early helps teens manage their disorders better, and that’s where parents can help. From spotting changes in their sleeping habits to keeping track of their school activities, here’s how to recognize the signs of teen depression:

How to talk about mental health at work

Talking about your own or someone else’s mental health at work is something you might never dream of doing, but mental illness affects the workplace in measurable and powerful ways – from lowering employee engagement and employee productivity to increasing absenteeism. Managers have an important role to play, but everyone can help foster mental wellness at work. Here are some tips to help you start a dialogue on mental health in your workplace: